$10 MILLION AWARDED TO THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC’S PLAZA LIVE PROJECT

$10 MILLION AWARDED TO THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC’S PLAZA LIVE PROJECTOrange County Commissioners Award Tourist Development Tax Dollarsto Renovation of Iconic City of Orlando Landmark

(Tuesday, April 23, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is excited to announce that it has been awarded $10,000,000 in funding for The Plaza Live concert and event venue residing at 425 North Bumby Avenue in Orlando, FL.

The funding was passed Tuesday, April 23 by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners after recommendation and approval from the Tourist Development Tax Application Review Committee that took place in March of 2019. The first installment will support the transfer of ownership of The Plaza Live to the City of Orlando; subsequent installments along with private philanthropy will contribute to public space enhancements and accessibility renovations of the 53-year old facility.

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is deeply grateful to the Orange County Commissioners, City of Orlando, Tourist Development Council, Application Review Committee, and tourism leadership in Central Florida for their support and commitment to the project and renovations of a true Orlando landmark. The Plaza Live and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra are enthusiastic and committed to creating an inviting and welcoming space for all patrons and artists who enter the facility.

“We look forward to capturing the nostalgia and preserving the history of The Plaza Live that existed decades ago, while infusing new technology and design of today as a part of the vision for the future of this unique and dynamic venue,” said Candy Crawford, President of the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation Board of Directors.

Phase I of the renovations were started in 2013 when the Philharmonic purchased the facility and renovated the rehearsal, backstage, and office spaces to support the orchestra’s operations.

Phase II of the project will address the transition of the facility to public ownership in partnership with the City of Orlando. In 2019, the City will acquire The Plaza Live and will enter into a long-term lease agreement to allow the Philharmonic to continue operation and maintenance of the facility.

Phase III of the project will transform the guest experience and maximize the capacity and potential of The Plaza Live. The facility will be modernized, accessibility will be increased, and guest services to patrons and artists will enhance the experience at The Plaza Live.

The Philharmonic has selected Little Diversified Architectural Consulting as the project architect.

The project renovations are expected to increase both the local attendance and tourism traffic to The Plaza Live for not only Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra events, but also for concerts co-promoted with AEG Presents, presentations by local arts organizations, and rental clients events. The Plaza Live is part of The Milk District, an official Orlando Main Street District, and is located in the Colonial Plaza retail and restaurant center which directly benefits the economic health of nearby businesses.

“We look forward to enhancing the experience and utilization of The Plaza Live, which will provide increased financial support for the Philharmonic and is a part of our long-term sustainability plan and growth. We are thankful for the outpouring of community support of the orchestra and venue and we look forward to sharing the completed project with the Central Florida community,” said Dr. Mary Palmer, President of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Directors.

The mission of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is to enrich and inspire the diverse communities of Central Florida through the transformative power of live music.

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Celebrating its 26th Season, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is led by Music Director Eric Jacobsen and comprised of accomplished musicians from around the world. The Philharmonic annually presents the FAIRWINDS Classics and Pops Series at Bob Carr Theater and its Focus Chamber Series at The Plaza Live. The mission of the Philharmonic is to enrich and inspire the diverse communities of Central Florida through the transformative power of live music, and it presents more than 170 live concerts and impacts more than 70,000 children, youth and families annually through its Young People’s Concerts, Symphony Storytime Series, Notes in Your Neighborhood program, and free outdoor community concerts. A resident company of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Philharmonic will perform in Steinmetz Hall when it opens in 2020. Learn more at OrlandoPhil.org.